Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (left) speaks during a concert and photo exhibition that showcased women’s contribution to the development of the country and local society at the Xiqu Centre on June 25, 2021. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

Hong Kong’s top official and female social leaders from the city praised the local and national improvement in gender equality under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

They made the remarks on Saturday during a concert and photo exhibition that showcased women’s contribution to the development of the country and local society in the past century. The event celebrated the CPC’s centennial this year, which takes place on July 1.

Speaking at the cultural events, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that under the leadership of the CPC, China has made achievements in gender equality that are as remarkable as the country’s overall economic and social development.

Speaking at the cultural events, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that under the leadership of the CPC, China has made achievements in gender equality that are as remarkable as the country’s overall economic and social development

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Chinese women have had their rights guaranteed by the legal system, and have enjoyed greater involvement in politics and educations, both in the mainland’s party and government organs and in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Lam said.

“I believe it is all agreed that women have made a significant contribution to the development of our country,” she said.

She highlighted the significant role played by Chinese women in the nationwide epidemic prevention and control last year. Their pivotal contributions were also recognized in major scientific and technological development as well as China’s exchanges with the outside world, she said.

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Lam also called for continued efforts of the local women’s rights community to promote the well-being of women as a necessary contribution to the city and the country.

In response to Lam’s appeal, Fay Cheung Hing-ling, executive chairman of the Hong Kong Island Women's Association, said that the association has launched a program to provide assistance to at least 300 women in Hong Kong who are facing physical and mental health problems as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the social unrest in of 2019.

The Saturday’s event was co-organized by the 30,000-strong Hong Kong Island Women's Association and Hong Kong Island Federation, which has 130,000 members across various sectors.